Requirements

Fair Trade Tourism Standard & criteria

FTT's Standard is aligned with global best practice and embraces the principle of inclusivity and our support of the tourism sector to play its part in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contains a comprehensive set of criteria that embrace the organisation's 6 Principles of fair share, fair say, respect, reliability, transparency, and sustainability, and addresses the triple bottom line of sustainability, including economic impacts, social development, human resource management and human rights, health & safety and employee well-being, risk and crisis management, quality, cultural heritage, and environmental impacts.

FTT's Standard is updated regularly to maintain alignment with global best practice and reflects the principle of inclusivity as well as FTT's support of the tourism sector to play its part in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the most recent revision (November 2023), it comprises a total of 174 criteria that apply to all businesses.

To be awarded FTT-Certified, businesses must meet all 121 mandatory requirements (criteria) and 75% of the remaining 53 (classified as "general"). 

From 2025, FTT-Engaged will be available. This reflects an independent verification that a business has taken the first steps in its journey, as reflected by 54 criteria; 3 of which are Mandatory and 51 are general. To be awarded FTT-Engaged, businesses must meet all 3 of the "Mandatory" criteria, and 80% of those indicated as "general".

(Businesses that offer independently marketed / sold community tours (day visits) involving 3rd party service providers, or volunteer tourism benefit from additional guidance and audit requirements across 12 and 29 criteria, respectively.)

An overview of the Fair Trade Tourism Standard is publicly available to view or for download on www.fairtradetourism.org.